Live event interactive game and method of delivery
The disclosure describes a computer-implemented method of providing an event related game. The method includes receiving event data associated with a media broadcast at a computer, generating a printable game set, and providing the printable game set in an electronic format configured for printing by a user. The printable game set includes at least one game card and a set of trade tickets. The at least one game card includes a list of game events associated with the media broadcast. Each trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifies a game event.
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The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/442,940, filed Jan. 27, 2003, entitled “LIVE EVENT INTERACTIVE GAME AND METHOD OF DELIVERY,” naming inventor Dale Roush, which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe disclosure, in general, relates to interactive games. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the distribution of games for facilitating interaction with live events.
BACKGROUNDSports events, reality television, and other broadcast have unpredictable outcomes. However, because of rules and other factors, the outcome and other events within the broadcast are derived from a known set. For example, a football game has events within a game that are derived from a known set. Each game may or may not have a touchdown, interception, field goal, or blocked punt, among various events. In addition, the rules are often established such that one of the two teams must win, although which one is unknown at the beginning of the game. Similarly, other broadcast television programs, web broadcasts, and programming may have an associated set of possible events, although the occurrence of any one of the possible events and the outcome are unknown.
Other games have attempted to create interactivity with sports events. Often, these games require ongoing network access and expensive equipment. In addition, the games limit interactivity among players. The interaction is typically limited to comparison of scores.
On the other hand, typical board and card games are not customized for live broadcasts. They are limited by their original form and therefore are limited in how they relate to a specific broadcast or event.
As such, many interactive games suffer from deficiencies in interactivity among players and with live events. Therefore, an improved live event interactive game would be desirable.
SUMMARYThe disclosure describes a computer-implemented method of providing an event related game. The method includes receiving event data associated with a media broadcast at a computer, generating a printable game set, and providing the printable game set in an electronic format configured for printing by a user. The printable game set includes at least one game card and a set of trade tickets. The at least one game card includes a list of game events associated with the media broadcast. Each trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifies a game event.
The disclosure also describes a computer-implemented method of providing interactive entertainment associated with a broadcast sports game. The method includes receiving event data associated with the broadcast sports game at a computer, generating a game set, and providing the game set in an electronic format configurable for printing by a user. The game set includes a plurality of game cards and a plurality of trade tickets. Each game card of the plurality of game cards lists a unique set of game events associated with the broadcast sports game. Each trade ticket of the plurality of trade tickets includes a unique game event. At least one of the plurality of trade tickets includes a game win event associated with a team associated with the broadcast sports game.
In addition, the disclosure describes a method of providing interactive entertainment associated with a media event. The method includes accessing a game set provided in a printable electronic format, printing the game set, and distributing one game card of the plurality of game cards and a subset of trade tickets of the set of trade tickets to one of a plurality of players. The game set includes a plurality of game cards and a set of trade tickets. Each game card of the plurality of game cards includes a distinct list of game events. Each trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifies a game event.
This disclosure relates to a game and method of delivering the game. The game allows a group of players to interact with a live event such as a football game, sports event, reality television, game show, or day-time drama. However, the game may also be used for, recorded, VCR, DVD, video-on-demand, and pay-per-view events. The game uses a set of cards customized for the event and rules designed to facilitate interaction among a group of players. For example, a game may be associated with a live sports event. Alternately, the game may be associated with a scripted or pre-recorded program.
The interconnected network 14 may, for example, include wireless networks, LAN, VMS, and global networks. The server 12 may, for example, include computational circuits that may communicate using various network protocols across the interconnected network 14. The user unit 16, developer unit 20, and advertisers 21 may, for example, include computational electronics such as handheld computers, notebooks, laptops, desktop computers, portable computers, servers, and other computational circuitry operable for accessing a server 12 over an interconnected network 14.
In one exemplary embodiment, a user may, through the player unit 16 and the interconnected network 14, access the server 12, download the game elements, print them and, with a group of players, watch a broadcast event on the broadcast receiver 18. The broadcast event may, for example, be a football game. The football game has a known set of possible events that may or may not occur during the game. In addition, the rules are established such that one team must win, although which team may not be known at the beginning of the game. The game may comprise a set of game elements including game cards and trade tickets. The game cards and trade tickets may be distributed among a set of players and used in accordance with the game rules upon the observation of events within the game.
For example, a game card may have a quarter-by-quarter listing of a subset of potential events that may or may not occur in the game such as interceptions, fumbles, first downs, touchdowns, field goals, safeties, penalties, punt returns and sacks. If and when any one of these events occurs, the player having a game card listing that event may indicate that the event occurred, such as by crossing, check marking, punching, or filling a box.
In another example, players may be given a set of trade tickets. Each trade ticket is associated with a possible event. A player holding the event card associated with an event that occurs during the game may forcibly trade tickets with another player in an attempt to acquire the winning trade ticket. For example, in a football game, these events may include two point conversions, fumbles, passing touchdowns, rushing touchdowns, video challenges, field goals, interceptions, punts, and time outs. In each case, rewards may be given to players with a winning trade ticket or a winning game card.
In addition, developers through developer unit 20, may access the server to establish game data. The game data may include customizing the game for a given event, adding advertiser information, adding a unique identification number, and managing the distribution. The server 12 may use this data to generate and deliver games to users.
Advertisers 21 may also access the server 12 to place advertisements on the various elements of the game, including advertisements on the game cards and trade tickets. The advertisers 21 may also access the server 12 to acquire purchasing data. Further, advertisers may place coupons on game cards or trade tickets. These placements may also be customized to region based on the locations of the user.
The server may transfer the game upon request from a user unit and/or when purchased by a user, as shown at step 34. For example, the game set may be transferred in a printable format configured for printing by the user. In one embodiment, the user may access the server and purchase the game by entering information such as addresses and credit card numbers. Alternately, a user may be provided with the game for free for entering information of interest to an advertiser. However, various motivations for transferring a game may be envisaged.
The game may be transferred in formats such as PDF, HTML, XML, and DOC. Alternately, the game may be transferred as a script or instruction file that results in a game file that may be printed. The game may be generated by the server and the files associated with these formats provided. Various file formats may be used that limit the number of printings, accesses, or downloads by the user. Players may play the game, as shown at step 36.
Depending upon the arrangement for transfer, the user may purchase the game, as shown at step 54. Purchasing may include entry of credit card numbers, other means of money transfer, or the exchange of information that would have some value to the provider or an advertiser. The user downloads the game, as shown at step 56. The game may be provided in formats, such as PDF and HTML. The system may download the file using transfer formats and protocols including HTTP and FTP.
The user or a select group of players may play the game, as shown at step 58, by watching or listening to a broadcast, or attending a sports event or other event. The game elements may be printed and distributed among the players for use with the broadcast event.
For example, a user may want to play a game associated with a Cowboys/Redskins football game. The user may select the Cowboys/Redskins game, purchase the game and download it. The user may print out the game elements and distribute them among a group of players. Each player may have a game card and a set of trade tickets. The game card may include listings, segregated by quarter, of possible events that may occur within the broadcast of the football game. The players may check off these events if and when they occur. The players may also force other players to trade a ticket with them when an event indicated by a player's trade ticket occurs in the game. Rewards may be distributed for those holding a winning game card and/or trade ticket.
In one exemplary embodiment, the game may be associated with a football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins. A set of trade tickets may be distributed among players that include events such as one team fumbles or a pass is intercepted. The trade tickets may also include trade tickets such as Dallas fumbles or Washington intercepts a pass. The trade tickets also include two final cards indicating the outcome of the event, such as Dallas wins or Washington wins. Players may trade tickets as events occur in an attempt to be in possession of the winning trade ticket at the end of the game. For example, if, near the end of the game, it appears that Dallas will win the game, and an event such as Dallas intercepts the ball occurs, the player holding the Dallas intercepts pass trade ticket may trade another player having the Dallas wins ticket to acquire the Dallas wins ticket. If the game ends and Dallas wins, then the player holding the Dallas wins ticket may be rewarded.
The game cards and trade tickets may be generated by the server in accordance with data associated with the event. For example, the server may customize a generic football data set for use with a specific football game, such as the Dallas Cowboys versus the Washington Redskins. A server may then generate the game cards and/or trade tickets in accordance with this data. In addition, the server may generate these cards and tickets in accordance with other probability data associated with the occurrence of these events.
A game card as exemplified in
The card may further include an indication, here shown at the top, indicating to which game the card applies. Further, the card may include various advertisements by various advertisers. The advertisement may be generated with the card or pre-set as part of a template. The card may include a coupon and/or trivia questions.
Furthermore, the card may include a list of all the possible trade tickets such that when events occurring with a trade ticket all players know that the trade ticket exists and the player having the trade ticket knows what other trade tickets are available for trading.
Game cards may also have a unique number. The unique number may be used to participate in a raffle, sweepstakes, or lottery. This unique number may be assigned or generated by the server.
The game set is transferred, as shown in step 136. At a prescribed point in time, one unique number is selected from the set of distributed unique number as seen in a block 138. This may, for example, be performed in a lottery or sweepstakes fashion. An award is distributed, as shown in step 140. For example, the sponsor of or advertiser with the game may establish a sweepstakes in which one winner among purchasers of the game set is awarded with a portion of a larger pool derived from game purchases.
Aspects of the system for delivering an interactive game include a server accessible by a user through an interconnected network and a broadcast receiver. The user may access the server to download a game set associated with a broadcast event in various document formats. The user may print the game and distribute its elements among a group of players. The game may be associated with various broadcast events, including football games, sports events, reality television, pay-per-view events, and video-on-demand programming. The game may be downloaded in various formats including PDF formats, HTML formats, XML formats, word processor document formats, program instruction formats such as JAVA and Javascript. For example, the game may be downloaded in a PDF format and limited to a set number of printing attempts. The user's unit may take various forms such as a laptop, handheld circuitry, or desktop computer. The game may be played in residential setting or public settings such as bars, restaurants and clubs.
Additional aspects may be found in a method for delivering a game. The method may include setting a game data, transferring the game, and playing the game. The game data may include specific data about a broadcast event, advertisers and advertisements associated with the game, unique allocation numbers associated with additional aspects of the game, and information specific to the user. The game may be transferred through an interconnected network to a user unit. The user may print the game from the user unit and distribute it among the players.
Aspects of the game may include a set of game cards and a set of trade tickets associated with events that possible could occur within a broadcast event. Each game card has a list or subset of the possible events that could occur in the broadcast event. The game card may also include a list of available trade tickets, a unique identification number, advertisements, trivia questions, coupons, and/or information specific to the broadcast event. The game card may have a list of events subdivided by periods in which they occurred or may occur. The trade tickets may include one event selected from a set of possible events that may occur within the broadcast event. The trade tickets are exchanged when an event occurs that is listed on the trade ticket. At the end of the broadcast event, rewards may be distributed for persons holding the trade ticket associated with the final event or winner. The trade tickets may also have a unique identification number, trivia questions, and coupons. Rewards may also be distributed for players having events listed on their game card that occurred during the broadcast event. The winning trade ticket may also include a unique identification number for use with a raffle, sweepstakes, or lottery. The game cards and/or trade tickets may be delivered in a format such as PDF with limits on a number of printings. The game may be copied onto cards with one of several colors such that the same game may be played among many groups in a public setting, each group having a game with a different color.
Aspects may be found in a method for playing the game. The method may include watching a broadcast program, observing an event, and trading an event ticket. A player holding an event ticket associated with the observed event may trade that ticket for another event ticket. When the game ends, the person holding a ticket indicating a win receives a reward.
Another aspect is found in a further method for playing a game. The method includes watching a broadcast event, observing events, and indicating the occurrence of those events on a game card listing a subset of possible events. The method may further include tallying scores associated with the number of events occurring in a game that appear on a card. The method may further include distributing the reward based on tallying the scores.
The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.
Claims
1. A method of providing interactive entertainment associated with a broadcast of a media event, a set of possible game events associated with the media event, the method comprising:
- accessing a game set provided in a printable electronic format, the game set including a plurality of game cards and a set of trade tickets, each game card of the plurality of game cards identifying a distinct list of game events selected from the set of possible game events, each trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifying a game event selected from the set of possible game events;
- printing the game set in a printable electronic format to provide the game set in a printed format; and
- distributing to each player of a plurality of players one game card of the plurality of game cards of the game set in the printed format and a subset of trade tickets of the set of trade tickets of the game set in the printed format, a first player of the plurality of players to exchange a first trade ticket of the subset of trade tickets distributed to the first player for a second trade ticket of the subset of trade tickets distributed to a second player, the exchanging occurring in response to the occurrence of a game event listed on the first trade ticket.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the each player of the plurality of players marking the one game card distributed to the each player in response to the occurrence of a game event included in the distinct list of game events identified on the one game card.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising scoring each game card of the plurality of game cards upon completion of the media event, the score of the each game card based on the number of game events identified on the each game card that occurred during the media event.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising distributing a prize to a player in response to scoring each game card.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein a first trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifies a first opponent win game event and a second trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifies a second opponent win game event, the first and second opponents associated with the media event, the method further comprising distributing a prize to a player of the plurality of players holding the trade ticket indicating the first opponent win game event when a first opponent associated with the media event wins.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the media event on a media display.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the game set includes a unique identification number.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising distributing an award based at least in part on the unique identification number.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein each game card of the plurality of game cards includes a trivia question.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the trivia question is associated with an answer broadcast during the media event.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the game set includes a coupon.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the distinct list of game events identified on the each game card is separated into a plurality of subsets of game events, each subset of game events associated with a different period within the media event.
13. A method of providing interactive entertainment associated with a broadcast of a football game, a set of possible game events associated with the football game, the method comprising:
- accessing a game set provided in a printable electronic format, the game set including a plurality of game cards and a set of trade tickets, each game card of the plurality of game cards identifying a distinct list of game events selected from the set of possible game events, each trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifying a game event selected from the set of possible game events, a first trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifying the game event of a first football team winning and a second trade ticket of the set of trade tickets identifying the game event of a second football team winning, the first and second football teams associated with the football game;
- printing the game set in the printable electronic format to provide the game set in a printed format; and
- distributing to each player of a plurality of players one game card of the plurality of game cards of the game set in the printed format and a subset of trade tickets of the set of trade tickets of the game set in the printed format, a first player of the plurality of players to exchange a first trade ticket of the subset of trade tickets distributed to the first player for a second trade ticket of the subset of trade tickets distributed to a second player, the exchanging occurring in response to the occurrence of a game event listed on the first trade ticket.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising distributing a prize to a player of the plurality of players holding the first trade ticket identifying the game event of a first football team winning when the first football team wins.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising the each player of the plurality of players marking the one game card distributed to the each player in response to the occurrence of a game event included in the distinct list of game events identified on the one game card.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising scoring each game card of the plurality of game cards upon completion of the football game, the score of the each game card based on the number of game events identified on the each game card that occurred during the football game.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the game set includes a unique identification number.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising distributing an award based at least in part on the unique identification number.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein each game card of the plurality of game cards includes a trivia question.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein the trivia question is associated with an answer broadcast during the football game.
21. The method of claim 13, wherein the game set includes a coupon.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jan 26, 2004
Date of Patent: Jan 5, 2010
Patent Publication Number: 20040209691
Assignee: (Amarillo, TX)
Inventor: Dale Roush (Amarillo, TX)
Primary Examiner: Peter DungBa Vo
Assistant Examiner: Arthur O. Hall
Attorney: Larson Newman & Abel, LLP
Application Number: 10/764,814
International Classification: A63F 13/12 (20060101);